College Living & Scholarships

Germany might not be as students as the United Kingdom or Italy as a place for international students from Asia or Africa to pursue higher education in Europe. It is likely due to the fact that most of the universities are still using German language in their classes while international programs and courses are still limited. However, German universities nowadays are increasing their international program number so that more international students are able to take part in English-speaking courses in a higher level of degree, such as master and doctoral program.

There are several reasons that make studying in Germany can be a good option, such as the following.

• Excellence academic programs

Geman universities have long been known to provide an excellent teaching and research. Some of its universities even rank among the best in the world. By having a degree from German universities would give you a magnificent prospect and opportunity when entering the global labor market.

• Unlocking potential

By studying in Germany, you are able to develop not only your intellectual abilities but also personal skills that can be a good asset to you when you start your career.

• Various Kinds of Applied Science Universities

Germany offers various kinds of universities of applied sciences that have a range of attractive and practice-oriented options. These study programs combine both theory and practice that you will not find in typical German universities. This option will significantly help you start your career.

• A safe country

Germany can be considered as a safe country compared to any other countries because of the stability of the political and economic situation. Moreover, German people don’t like to break the law. The criminal case in town and countryside is low you are free to move around day or night.

• Lots of diversity

German offers not only the beauty of its landscape, but also a rich culture that will help you to fill your spare time with interesting activities, such as visiting the museum, going to the cinema, picnic in the garden, or exploring old castles.

Apart from the above reasons, Germany also offers various scholarships for international students who want to study in German higher education system. One of the most popular ones is DAAD.

What is DAAD Scholarship?

DAAD is a scholarship scheme offered by the German Academic Exchange Service and financed by Federal Foreign Office which is awarded to students from different disciplines. The funding is aimed at young university graduates as well as early-stage researchers and lecturers. The candidates must have a good academic achievement which places them as one of the third best students of their age group. The candidates are also expected to become the key players in their career fields without leaving their social responsibilities.

DAAD Scholarship Guidelines

• There is no age limit to apply for the scholarship. However, certain programs have a detail specification of a certain amount of time has passed since your last degree for.
• Last year students might be able to apply for the scholarship. However, they need to provide the proof that they will be graduated before the funding begins.
• If you stay in Germany for less than 15 months at the time of application, you are still allowed to apply.
• DAAD scholarship is available for students who are studying or wish to continue their study in all subjects in German Universities.

The DAAD Scholarship Selection Process

• The selection committee, consists of local university teachers, Goethe Institute lecturers, the relevant ministry representatives, DAAD-placed German university teachers, partner organizations of the DAAD representatives, of representatives from the relevant DAAD Regional Office, and many more.
• Selection Committee of the German university lecturers who will make the decision.

The selection committee will decide applicants who will be awarded by the scholarship based on the following considerations.

• The information you have given on the application form.
• Proof of academic achievement (certificates and transcripts).
• Reference or letter of recommendation by university lecturers or supervisors in which the applicant is working in that shows your academic achievement, your academic and personal qualities, and the significance of the scholarship have for your academic or professional career.
• Description of study plan or a proposed research project. The objectives of the research project are: (1) the content of the research project, (2) the steps that are planned, and (3) the work schedule plan.
• Proficiency in the German language (if appropriate). There are some universities that have courses in German. However, a proof of English language proficiency is enough for international students who are applying for an international program through DAAD scholarship.
• Letter of motivation. Try to explain your history of education and skills, professional experience (if applicable), academic motivation, prizes and awards that you have received, reasons to why you are applying for the scholarship, and personal interest about extracurricular achievements and personal qualities that shows your character.

So, are you interested in pursuing a higher education level program with the help of DAAD scholarship?

There are many reasons to why international students come to the United Kingdom to study. Firstly, there are numerous world-class universities in this country. They have reputations that make your certificate degree being recognized by employers, universities, and governments. Their typical one-year master programs are challenging and intensive, but at the same time, the UK universities provide a supportive environment for their students to develop skills and knowledge in addition to the academic skills.

As the country in which the English language has its origin, English speaking environment will surely help international students a lot during their period of living in a foreign country. Moreover, UK is considered as one of the most diversified countries in the world. This unique feature will also be found in its higher education institutions which will make you get a broader knowledge of different cultures around the world.

But, living in the United Kingdom is indeed expensive. That includes the amount you need to pay for tuition fees if you were enrolled in one of those prestigious universities in the UK. However, there are many scholarships available for international students that you may apply. One of the most popular ones is Chevening Scholarship.

Chevening is the UK Government’s award scheme funded by the by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organizations. The award is for international students and is aimed at developing global leaders. There are two types of the award provided by Chevening – Chevening Scholarship and Chevening Fellowship.

The selection process is run and the candidates are chosen personally by the British embassies and their high commissions all around the world. This scholarship offers you big opportunity to study in one of the prestigious institutions in the UK, to make a connection extensively and experience the culture of UK during your study, and build a long-lasting relationship with the UK once you graduate.

Application Guidelines and Requirements

• Candidates must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country, being the upper second-class 2:1 honors degree in undergraduate study and have at least 2 years of experience.
• Meet the criteria of the English language requirement. The overall score of IELTS is 6.5 with a minimum score in each component of listening 5,5; reading 5,5; speaking 5,5, and writing 5.5. As for TOEFL iBT, you have to get at least 79 for the overall score with a minimum score in each component of listening 17; reading 18; speaking 20, and writing 17.
• You have to choose three courses and must get an unconditional offer from one of your chosen universities or courses at the same institution. To increase the likelihood that you will be accepted by one of them, it is better to choose the similar courses in three different universities. The courses you may choose must have the following requirements: a full-time taught-master degree course, start in the autumn term and lead to a master degree qualification.
• You need to be unconditionally accepted by one of the courses in order to apply for Chevening Scholarship. A conditional offer is allowed if the outstanding condition is due to financial problem.
• Reference letters written by your chose referees. They must know you well in order to give an exact recommendation based on your academic or professional experiences. The reference should include the period of time the referees has known the applicant, their capacity in knowing the applicant, and a brief overall endorsement of the applicant.
• Have been working for a minimum of 2 years for Chevening Scholarship and either five or seven years’ work experience for Chevening Scholarship.
• Candidates must provide legalized academic diploma and transcript.

You may apply the awards via your country page at www.chevening.org/apply. Make sure you have an uninterrupted internet access when applying online.

The Selection Process

The selection process for each scheme is varied. Chevening Fellows usually takes a minimum of six months, while selection process of Chevening Scholarship may take eight months from the deadline of the application until the candidate is selected conditionally.

If you are shortlisted to interview for the award, you must attend the interview in the city where the British Embassy or the High Commission has representation. You will receive an email about a booking confirmation and you need to book your slot as soon as possible.

Chevening Award Timeline

Here is the timeline for the selection process of Chevening awards.

• Beginning of August – Applications open at 12:00 BST
• Beginning of November – Applications close at 12:00 GMT
• Mid-November to December – Independent reading committees assess the eligible applications
• January to early February – Applicants will be shortlisted for interviews by the British Embassies/High Commissions in their own countries
• Mid-February – Applicants will be notified if they have been selected for interview
• End of February – Deadline for applicants who are invited to the interview to submit undergraduate certificates and references
• Beginning of March to beginning of May – Global interview period
• Early June – Announcement of interview results
• Mid-July – Deadline for UK university unconditional offers
• Mid-July – Deadline for submitting the English language requirement
• September/October – Chevening Scholars begin their studies in the UK

In the world we are living today, there are still many who are not aware of the importance of education for women. There are countries where patriarchal culture is almost extremely adapted that it can be a burden to women. Young women are taught to be merely loyal housewives who do not deserve a higher education just because their family believes it is their fate to be at home, cooking and raising their children. They are also taught not to get at least equally educated as men.

Why Scholarships for Women?

Women are a priceless asset. Whatever life paths they choose, whether they choose to be career women, athletes, housewives, or anything else, they still have to obtain an education, because at the end they will be mothers who educate their children. Thus, educated children will certainly have much bigger potential to build a way better nation in the future.

Sadly, more than 60 million girls in the world do not have education at the moment. Young women in several countries in Southeast Asia and Africa for instance, tend to be discouraged to get educated due to many factors, including culture and economy. Therefore, it is important for the world to pay more attention to this matter. Fortunately, there are now plenty institutions that give away scholarships for women who are qualified and encouraged enough to pursue higher education. The list is as follows:

1. AAUW’s international fellowships for Women

AAUW (the American Association of University Women) give away International Fellowships to women who pursue graduate and postgraduate studies in the universities in the US. The applicants do not have to be US citizens or permanent residents. For the Master / Professional Fellowship, the scholarships are worth to $18.000, $20.000 for the Doctorate Fellowship, and $30.000 for the Postdoctoral Fellowship.

2. UNESCO-L’Oreal’s fellowships for women in science

Annually, collaborating with UNESCO, L’Oreal grants fellowships to female researchers who pursue doctoral or post-doctoral programs of research in many fields within the scope of life sciences, like genetics, neurobiology, ecology, and biotechnology at accredited institutions all around the world. The fellowships value $15.000 – $60.000, depending on which country the applicants are from.

3. Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarships for Women

In memory of Anita Borg, an American computer scientist who passed away about 14 years ago, Google founded the Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship to give away scholarships for women with much expectation that women will be encouraged to master computing and technology as well as become good role models or leaders in the field. The awardees of the scholarships will obtain financial aid for college. Moreover, Google will invite all the scholarship winners to attend a retreat at their head office.

4. AARP Foundation’s scholarships for women

Since a decade ago, AARP has been awarding low-income women over fifty years old with scholarships. This program of scholarships for women is aimed to give funding to education and training for women so that they can gain more skills and bigger opportunities to get a better job with a better earning and improve financial balance. The applicants must be women, age minimum 50 years old, with low-income and pursue higher education like a vocational school, a diploma, or bachelor’s degree.

5. Eira Francis Davies scholarships for women in human and health sciences

The Eira Francis Davies Scholarships are given to female students from developing countries who are qualified to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in the College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Wales, United Kingdom. The committee will cover the full tuition fee of each scholarship’s winner.

How to Win The Tempting Scholarships for Women?

So, ladies, if you dare to pursue a better future in education and furthermore, career, you have to follow the tips to win the scholarships for women right from the experts below:

1. Begin the searching and apply

Scholarships for women do not come themselves or fall from the sky to you. The very first step you have to take is to start the searching; their websites are nearly everywhere. There are plenty scholarships available for the students of junior high school to college. Next, do not wait up. Apply as soon as possible. Their application systems are mostly online now, so no excuse!

2. Remember deadlines!

Unless you think this is included in your main priorities now, you do not have to be worried about deadlines. Don’t miss them. Use an agenda book, calendar, or To-Do checklists to get more prepared and organized.

3. Make sure you meet the requirements decided by the sponsors

Adjust your application to the sponsor’s targets. Read through and follow the sponsor’s instructions very carefully.

4. Found a difficulty in writing the essays? Follow this tip

Writing essays sometimes can be difficult to do. However, you can always try to record yourself while answering questions related to the essay topic and take a note of the recording afterward. This tip is based on the theory that some people can think and speak faster than when they write or type.

5. Create a unique essay that can potentially beat the assessment of any judges

Make your essay one of a kind and stands out. Write what you can contribute to the world, or at least to your society. Get detailed on every single thing you write. Have a copy of each print, wrap it up, and send it to the exact address.

So, break a leg, ladies!

Canada might be less popular than the USA for international students from Asia or Africa who are looking for a place to study. But actually, Canada has been long known as one of the most desirable countries in American continents for students. In fact, 6.5% of postsecondary education students in Canada come from abroad. It is due to the fact that this country offers many interesting things to explore for visiting students, not to mention several internationally ranked universities to study in.

List of Scholarships in Canada

In addition, there are numerous scholarships available for international students who are in need of financial support to fund their study in Canada. Here are 10 scholarships in Canada for international students of different level of education that you can apply.

1. University of Calgary Graduate Award Competition

Only graduate students of the University of Calgary who are eligible to apply for this scholarship. The fund is from $1,000 to $40,000 and is available for students from different fields of study. Some scholarships which are awarded through Graduate Award Competition (GAC) are Izaak Walton Killam Doctoral Scholarships, Open Doctoral Scholarships, Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarships, and Special Awards, and Bursaries.

2. Trudeau Foundation Scholarships

You may have heard the infamous Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, who founded Trudeau Foundation. The foundation offers a distinct field of scholarship as it is the only doctoral scholarships in the humanities and social sciences in Canada. Fifteen scholarships with annual value is up to $60,000 are available for a maximum of three years of study. Students from emerging countries do have opportunities to get the scholarship.

3. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship

Annually, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship which was launched by the Canadian government awards up to 167 scholarships for Ph.D. students. The candidates must demonstrate leadership skills, has a potential future research topic and research history, and show outstanding achievement during their secondary education in Natural Sciences, Engineering, Health, Social Sciences or Humanities. If you are interested in applying for the scholarship, you must be enrolled in a Ph.D. program at a Canadian university. The scholarship provides $50,000 per year for three years. July to November is the period of application submission.

4. Ontario Trillium Scholarship

To get this scholarship which is valued $40,000 annually, you have to pursue a full-time doctoral study at Western University. The candidate have to meet a minimum of 80% achievement of the last two full-time university study.

5. University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Awards

This funding is available for students who are enrolled in full-time research-based graduate degree programs at the University of Waterloo. It provides $2,045 per term for a 2-years master program and $4,090 per term for a 3-year doctoral program.

6. Ontario Graduate Scholarship

This is another scholarship offered for master and Ph.D. students in all disciplines who are studying in Ontario. The scholarship which is valued $15,000 per year is a merit-based scholarship. You will be assessed based on academic excellence, research ability and potential in your program study, and communication and leadership ability.

7. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships

The scholarship is available for master and Ph.D. students in all disciplines, except college of medicine, at the University of Manitoba. Master students will receive $14,000 for a 12-month period of 2 years, and Ph.D. students will receive $18,000 for a 12-month period for 4 years. The candidate must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 in their previous level of education.

8. Carleton University Awards for International Students

This is one of the scholarships in Canada which is open to undergraduate students. If you happen to be the students of Carleton University with the admission average of 80 percent or better, and meet the language requirements, you will automatically be considered for the scholarship. The scholarship value will be determined based on your admissions average. Students with 80-84.9% of admission average may get $1,000 per year for four years. Students with better score will get a higher amount of fund.

9. Queen’s University International Scholarships

If you happen to be an international student from India, Pakistan, and the US, you may apply for this scholarship to study at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.

10. Presidential Scholarship

Presidential Scholarship is provided by Fairleigh Dickinson University for undergraduate students with exceptional academic performance. A full-tuition scholarship is available. However, it doesn’t cover for housing, living expenses, insurance, and other fees.

Tips to Apply Scholarships in Canada

Scholarship funding for international students who are studying or wish to study in Canada might be limited. It is also competitive and is mostly available at a postgraduate level. However, here are some tips that will help you to identify scholarship opportunities in Canada.

1. Try to explore scholarship possibilities in your home country by asking information Department of Education or Canadian Embassy in your country to determine if there are opportunities for which you are eligible. You might also need to find information from the provincial government in Canada or private foundations and nonprofit organizations in your home countries who might offer scholarships for international students.
2. Contact the chosen university to request information about scholarship opportunities available for international students and their guidelines of application.
3. Find information about a part-time job for students available in case you need additional funding to support your living.

Australia is one of the most favorite countries for international students to pursue their study, especially students from Asia. Apart from a friendlier environment and language, there are many Australia scholarships available for international students who are studying in Australian universities, such as the following.

1. Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS)

This one might one of the most popular scholarships provided by the Australian government among the scholarship hunters. The scholarship is available for undergraduate and postgraduate students from developing countries, particularly students from Indo-Pacific region. However, students from Africa and the Middle East are also welcome to apply. This program aimed to let the awardee to develop skills and knowledge that will be able to contribute to the development of their own countries once they graduate from Australian universities.

The scholarship covers full tuition fee, return air travel, establishment allowance, living expenses, and many more. These maximum facilities provided by the scholarship makes the admission process to be highly competitive.

2. The Australia Awards–Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships

The scholarship funded by the Australian Government is also a competitive one and is available for students with excellent academic achievement. The scholarship is mainly targeted for international students or professionals who undertake study and research in Australian universities. An awardee will be given a full scholarship including tuition fees, monthly allowance, insurance, travel allowance, etc.

3. The Research Training Program (RTP)

This scheme is an Australia scholarship funded by Australian Department of Education and Training. If you want to apply for the scholarship, you must apply directly to the participating universities. Each university has different application and selection process, thus you must contact the chosen university directly to request information about the application for the RTP scheme. The scheme offers financial aid for domestic and international students who are undertaking higher degrees by research at accredited higher education providers in Australia. They provided tuition fees, a stipend for general living costs, and allowances related to research. The scholarship is available for maximum 2 years for research masters and minimum 3 years up to a maximum of four years doctorate degree.

4. Australian Catholic University (ACU) International Student Scholarship

The scholarship is available for undergraduate and postgraduate international students at ACU who have outstanding academic achievement with results of at least 80% in their previous studies. The scholarship covers one-half of the full-time fees for the awardee’s course of study. Any international students from any course may apply. However, the committee will give consideration to the diversity of the courses in which the applicants are enrolled and the variation of the source countries. Only 20 scholarships are available.

5. Adelaide Scholarships International (ASI)

The selection of ASI’s applicants is managed by the committee from the University of Adelaide Graduate Scholarships. The awardees must be excellent in their academic achievement and have research potentials. The ASI offers two-year course tuition fees for master degree students and three-year course tuition fees for doctoral degree students. It also provides an annual living allowance and health insurance.

6. Flinders University: Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) Scholarship (International)

AGRTP scholarships are intended for international students who undertake a research higher degree at Flinders University. The scholarship covers a stipend and tuition fees. Only candidates who demonstrate outstanding performance on their academic and research performance are able to receive the award. The scholarship is tenable for up to two years for a research master degree and up to three years for a doctoral degree. Doctorate degree candidates must also submit up to five publications as one of the requirement.

7. La Trobe College Excellence Scholarships

If you were or wish to be a La Trobe College students, you may apply for the scholarship. Undergraduate and postgraduate students who have an excellent academic record will be able to receive up to 25% reduction in their course fees by applying for this scholarship.

8. Monash International Merit Scholarship

Students who are enrolled in Monash University may apply for the scholarship which values $10,000 per annum. The candidates must enroll in the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (Honours) course. The students who enroll in Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (MD) course must complete at least three semesters of their study. Students with academic performance achieving a weighted average mark of 85+ may apply for the scholarship.

9. Deakin Scholarship for Excellence

This Australia scholarship is available for both undergraduates and postgraduates who have excellent academic achievements or excellence in extracurricular activities such as arts, sports, or community service. Undergraduate students are to receive $5000 per year while postgraduate students will receive $10,000 per year.

10. Rotary Peace Fellowship

Rotary Foundation selects up to 50 professionals to receive fellowships for master degrees and provide 5o fellowships for certificate studies at excellent universities around the world. Master degree students are able to study at Rotary Peace Centers for 15-24 months with two to three months practical internship during the academic break.

Apart from the above scholarships, there are hundreds of Australia scholarship that you may apply to different target candidates, courses, and level of degrees. You may limit your search by finding the most suitable university for your study first.